What is Chemistry: Definition and 993 Discussions

Chemistry is the scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter. It is a natural science that covers the elements that make up matter to the compounds composed of atoms, molecules and ions: their composition, structure, properties, behavior and the changes they undergo during a reaction with other substances.In the scope of its subject, chemistry occupies an intermediate position between physics and biology. It is sometimes called the central science because it provides a foundation for understanding both basic and applied scientific disciplines at a fundamental level. For example, chemistry explains aspects of plant chemistry (botany), the formation of igneous rocks (geology), how atmospheric ozone is formed and how environmental pollutants are degraded (ecology), the properties of the soil on the moon (cosmochemistry), how medications work (pharmacology), and how to collect DNA evidence at a crime scene (forensics).
Chemistry addresses topics such as how atoms and molecules interact via chemical bonds to form new chemical compounds. There are two types of chemical bonds: 1. primary chemical bonds e.g covalent bonds, in which atoms share one or more electron(s); ionic bonds, in which an atom donates one or more electrons to another atom to produce ions (cations and anions); metallic bonds and 2. secondary chemical bonds e.g. hydrogen bonds; Van der Waals force bonds, ion-ion interaction, ion-dipole interaction etc.

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    Chemistry Directions to go after a Master's in Chemistry

    Hi everyone, I am currently having a dilemma in regards to the next step of my education. I am into my second year of my MSc in inorganic chemistry and would like some advice in regards to different paths I could go after finishing. I've seen a lot of great advice given on this forum so I...
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    Applications of resonance in chemistry?

    While reading organic chemistry, the textbook said that resonance is something which is found everywhere in chemistry. It applies everywhere in chemistry and so on. However so far the only application I've found of resonance is that the more resonance structures a certain molecule has, the more...
  3. J

    A Textbook that combines biology, chemistry, and physics?

    Is there any textbook or any book (introductory, mostly) out there that combines the teaching of physics, biology, and chemistry phenomenon while appropriately teaching the details for each of the fields as it goes on. Or anything similar?
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    How Do You Calculate Kp and Qp for Chemical Reactions at Equilibrium?

    Hey guys, I've just got an assessment coming up. I just want to double check if I got it right and perhaps people can help me with a question or two. QUESTION 1. Consider the reaction A(s) + 3B(g) = 4C(g), ΔH°=-16.6kJ i) Given Kc = 0.00570, calculate Kp at 198°C. ii) Given p(B) = 0.10atm...
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    Chemistry Career in Physics or Chemistry?

    Hello everyone, just joined the forum. I need some solid advice about choosing my career path, I've read some of the previous posts on the topic, but would greatly appreciate any further help! I'm 18 years old, at the end of high school. I love and enjoy both Physics and Chemistry, and work...
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    Schools What's chemistry like in university? Lots of math?

    Hello, I am planning to major in chemistry and I just wanted to know if a lot of the material is, or requires, mathematics. I love math and I would say I am pretty good at it. It would be my second choice for a major. However, I heard that chemistry is not really a mathematical science, more...
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    Chemistry: Electron Configuration of Manganese Cation

    Homework Statement Write the ground state electron configuration of Mn2+. Homework Equations N/A The Attempt at a Solution Well I thought that since it had the 2+ superscript and manganese is a metal, it must have lost two electrons. Manganese has an atomic number of 25 and...
  8. M

    Oxidation & Reduction: Measurement of Power - Electrochemistry

    how oxidation or reduction potential a measure of oxidizing or reducing power,it just observed that higher r.p or o.p higher oxidizing power or reducing power,or it has well sounded explanation
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    How Do Coefficient Changes Affect Equilibrium Constants?

    Homework Statement The reaction below has a equilibrium constant of Kp = 2.26 x 10^4 at 298 K CO(g) + 2H2(g) <=>CH3OH(g) Calculate Kp for each of the reactions and predict whether reactants or products will be favored at equilibrium A. (1/2)CO(g) + H2(g) <=> (1/2)CH3OH(g) Homework...
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    Chemistry: How do I write an ionic equation for this reaction?

    Homework Statement I was doing this problem for HW online, that asks to write the ionic equation for a reaction, but I'm completely stuck. After using all my attempts (i.e., I can no longer submit the answer even if it is right, :frown: ) I still couldn't get the right answer. We've only...
  11. djh101

    Programs Which math classes should I take as a [physical] chemistry major?

    I am majoring in chemistry at UCLA with physical chemistry concentration (transferring as a junior next semester), intent on pursuing research in the field in the future. I would like to minor in mathematics (if a double major is not possible), but I'm having a hard time deciding what classes I...
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    Need Guidance in a Chemistry Related Project

    Hello, I am a student with a chemistry project. However, I am not quite sure what I would like to do the project on. I am fairly ignorant when it comes the recent findings and happenings of the chemistry world. Some of my areas of interest would be biochemical, nuclear, and energy related...
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    Entropy calculations involving integration (physical chemistry)

    This isn't a homework question per se, but more of a coursework question. Specifically, I'm a bit at a loss as to how to go about learning a particular section of the coursework for a physical chemistry (i.e. thermochemistry) class I am taking. The section in question is that pertaining to...
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    General Chemistry Book Recommendations

    Hi! I wonder if you could give me some general chemistry book recommendations. I have a modest background in Chemistry (I've read introductions equivalent to "Chemistry, the central science", "Chemistry" by Chang, "Concise inorganic chemistry" by Lee and "Organic chemstry" by Clayden - I've...
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    How Do You Calculate Theoretical Reaction Time in Enzyme Experiments?

    I'm doing an EEI on enzymes. I'm using catalase and hydrogen peroxide to produce oxygen. The oxygen is then collected into a measuring cylinder. My three variables are the concentration of catalase, concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the temperature of both. Increasing the concentration of...
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    Organic Chemistry Hantzch Synthesis

    Homework Statement http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9563/chem3.png Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know the answer has to be a or c because you need the ammonia to make this reaction happen but I don't know whether you would want to use 3-oxobutanenitrile or...
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    Understanding Nucleophilic and Electrophilic Attacks in Organic Chemistry

    How to see if there is a nucleophilic or electrophilic attack? Nucleophilic or electrophilic attack? What type of attack performs a) the water molecule in the attack with one of its free electron pairs? b) bromine molecule when in an attack with a double bond? Motivate! I think...
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    Is quantum chemistry more theory heavy compared to chemical engineering?

    I'm a chemical engineering major and I have to take one of these. Is QM more theory heavy or are they about the same in that regard? I am leaning more towards QM. my only exposure so far has been with the "modern physics" part of general physics
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    Schools Is Chemistry Required for Computer Science Engineering?

    hey...can anybody help me out...Im an IB student and I wanted to know whether chemistry is required for computer science engineering or not?
  20. N

    How Many Moles of Fe Ion Are in 5 mL of Fe(NO3)3 Solution?

    Homework Statement If you have 5 mL of Fe(NO3)3(aq) at a concentration of 0.200 mol/L How many moles of Fe ion do you have? The Attempt at a Solution Would it simply be (0.200) * (0.005) = answer or would you have to divide that answer by three since one Fe per three NO3...
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    Chemistry What can you do with a major in chemistry?

    Hello, I'm currently a high school student in grade 12 and I was wondering what one could do after majoring in chemistry. I am very interested in it, as well as math, physics, and bio. I want to know what kind of jobs chemistry majors can get and how common some of the jobs are (for example...
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    Merging Mech. Engineering & Chemistry for work in the Military Sectoror

    Hi there. I am currently a freshman Mechanical Engineering major. I'll try to keep things short. I have a vision for my future; I want to design body armor and personal protective equipment for the military/paramilitary. This interest has lead me to pursue Mechanical Engineering as a...
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    Analytical Chemistry UF: Comparing Wavelengths & Frequencies

    Question 20 from our final I just took (Analytical Chemistry UF). "You may recall that the wavelength of the sodium D1 line in vacuum is 589.7558nm. In air it becomes 589.5924nm. What is the difference in frequency for these two wavelengths." I said 0. All the other people did the...
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    IB Chemistry Extended Essay help

    Homework Statement For my IB extended essay I want to determine the quantity of salt in comercial popcorns, and analyze if this amount of salt consumption is bad for one's health. I've made my investigation, and read that the levels of salt in these popcorns are quite high, and in the long...
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    Translation on Inorganic Chemistry ()

    Hi! I am trying to translate a paper on inorganic chemistry from Spanish into English but, since I am not an English native speaker and my knowledge of chemistry is limited, I could definitely use some help in order to get everything right. With regard to the title of the paper (NC =...
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    Answer Enthalpy Change Atomisation Hydrazine: B 1720 kJ

    Homework Statement Hydrazine was used as a fuel for the Messerschmidt 163 rocket fighter in World War II and for the American Gemini and Apollo spacecraft . What is the enthalpy change of atomisation of 1 mol of gaseous hydrazine? A 550 kJ B 1720 kJ C 1970 kJ D 2554 kJ Use of the...
  27. K

    Is chemistry needed for astronomy/astrophysics

    I am currently doing my GCSEs at secondary school and will have to choose 4 subjects for my A levels, currently I am thinking physics, maths, further maths and history. I also want to be an astronomer/astrophysicist and have heard that chemistry can be useful for that. Would i need to take...
  28. T

    Chem major who hates Organic Chemistry?

    I am chem major currently taking organic chemistry. I am ashamed of admitting I hate organic chemistry. This is not even science. It seems to me though, it is a branch of engineering. You have stuff, you make new stuff. You increase your yield and figure out steps to synthesize something. I...
  29. J

    Chemistry and gas law problems

    Hello. If somebody has time can you check my answers? Q1: A gas occupies a 2.0L container at 25°C and 2.0atm. If the volume of the container is halved and the temperature remains constant, what is the new pressure? P1V1 = P2V2 P2 = 2.00 atm x (2.00L / 1.00L) = 4.00 atm --- Q2: The...
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    Chemistry | Enthalpy Change Calculation for N2H4 Combustion

    Homework Statement hydrzine, N2H4 ia a liquid rocket feul. It reacts with oxygen to yeild nitrogen gas and water. N2H4 (l)+ O2 (g)--> N2 (g) + 2H2O (l) the reaction of 6.50g N2H4 evolves 126.2 kJ of heat. Calculate the enthalpy change per mole of hydrazine combusted I am having trouble...
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    Summer Programs for High Scholars in Physics & Chemistry

    What are some good summer programs for high scholars involving physics and chemistry? I'm currently a freshman, next year will be my sophomore year and I'm enrolled to Pre-AP Chem and Pre-AP Physics. I have a strong interest in Physics and Chem; also I'm looking to get into one of the more...
  32. N

    Practical, interesting chemistry book

    I have taken general chem 1&2 and orgo chem 1&2, but I honestly don't know how the chemistry I know relates or is used in anything. I can write page long synthesis and mechanisms, but I don't really know what I'm making, if it's safe, or if it's impossible. I only have one chemistry class left...
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    Social and (Maybe) Technical Issues in Organic Chemistry Lab

    Hi, this is my first post. I'm generally more of a blog/message board reader than a contributor, but there's really been something that has been eating away at me, making it difficult for me sleep at night. (Note: long post coming up) Last semester in Organic Chemistry I, I made a huge error...
  34. B

    Should I take Further Maths and/or Chemistry A levels?

    Hello, I am new to these forums. I am in Year 10 and have decided to take Physics and Maths at A level. However, I need to choose 2 more A levels and have considered Further Maths and Chemistry. I would like to take Chemistry because I love science! But I'm worried there will be too much...
  35. M

    Overcoming Math & Physics Struggles to Pursue a Career in Chemistry

    My passion is constantly learning new things about Chemistry, and science in general. I wanted to be a chemical engineer and a chemist when I was in grade 9 but now that I'm in grade 11 and researching about the career as a chemist-- I realize there aren't many job offers, and the pay is low...
  36. MacLaddy

    Chemistry Department Photo: What's Happening in the Picture?

    Ignoring the school, links, and overall blandness of this website; can somebody PLEASE explain to me what is happening in the picture to the left? http://www.slcc-science.org/chem/ :uhh:
  37. S

    Chemistry: A titration of ethylamine with HCl.

    Homework Statement For the titration of 50 mL of 0.150 M ethylamine (C2H5NH2), with 0.100 M HCl, find the pH : a) when 10 mL more of HCl has been added than is required b) when 75% of the required acid has been added Homework Equations Maybe Henderson Hasselbalch?: pH = pKa + log (base/acid)...
  38. B

    AS Practise Chemistry coursework question

    Homework Statement Write an equation in words to show relationship between mass concentration, molar concentration and molar mass and give a short explanation. Homework Equations I understand that the equation is: molar mass = Mass concentration/Molar concentration The Attempt at...
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    The single most interesting chemistry journal article I've read in 5 years

    Traceless protein labeling http://www.nature.com/nchembio/journal/v5/n5/abs/nchembio.157.html http://www.nature.com/nchembio/journal/v5/n5/full/nchembio0509-275.html If this procedure really does work as they say, what a really, really slick idea this group has come up with. Not only...
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    Is click chemistry really viable for in vivo applications?

    With the huge interest in click chemistry for in vivo applications--the staudinger ligation and the Huisgen cycloaddition, I was wondering, just how viable are these reactions in real world settings? Assuming second order kinetics, the fastest ever reported Staudinger ligation click reaction...
  41. S

    Chemistry) Buffers and Ph differences question

    Homework Statement A Chemist wishes to prepare 250mL of buffer that has a Ph of 4.50. Starting with 100mL of 0.12 mol L acetic acid and a supply of 0.10 mol L NaOh. 1) explain how this can be done 3) how much 0.20 molL NaOH must e added to this buffer to raise the pH to 5.1? 3) if the...
  42. M

    Chemistry - Concentration from known pH and Ka.

    Homework Statement A particular sample of vinegar has a pH of 2.90. If acetic acid is the only acid that vinegar contains (Ka = 1.8 x 10-5), calculate the concentration of acetic acid in the vinegar. Homework Equations Ka = [Products]/[Reactants] pH = -log[H+] The Attempt at a...
  43. M

    Chemistry Solving a Chemistry Equation: Question 10

    Homework Statement http://www.xtremepapers.com/CIE/International%20A%20And%20AS%20Level/9701%20-%20Chemistry/9701_s11_qp_12.pdf question 10 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution The way I am doing it, is to get two equations in terms of x and y and then equate them. For the first...
  44. djh101

    Chemistry vs ChemE: Graduate School Opportunities

    I've read a lot of discussions about chemistry vs chemical engineering and everyone seems to favor chemical engineering, mainly for its higher salary and better job opportunities. Every discussion, though, seems to be referring to opportunities with a bachelor's and assume that the asker has no...
  45. B

    Problem on limits from chemistry

    I've been doing some chemistry, and come up with a confusing problem that I can't seem to solve. It's a problem I made up while trying to understand the Gibbs Free Energy, but I will try to phrase it solely as a calculus question. It is known that \Delta G + \epsilon \Delta S < 0 and that...
  46. N

    Organic chemistry reaction Help .

    Organic chemistry reaction Help . !URGENT! Homework Statement I can't type the O-Compounds so here's the Question http://dl.dropbox.com/u/41389643/Photo%2001-03-12%204%2047%2021%20PM%20%281%29.jpg Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution This is the first time I came...
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    Organic Chemistry Leaving groups

    which is the best leaving group? Cl- enolate NR3 I couldn't figure out how to draw the enolate here, but it is a basic 3 carbon one. I believe the answer is Cl because resonance on the enolate will disperse the neg. charge. Am I on the right track or is there a factor I am missing?
  48. B

    Chemistry: Which is more acidic?

    Homework Statement Which is more acidic, and why? H_{2}SO_{4} H_{2}SeO_{4} Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Because Se is larger, it has a weaker Coulomb force with the H atoms. So it will more readily give up the protons of the H atoms. Hence it should be more...
  49. J

    Chemistry: Writing Rate Law from Rate Constant & Order

    Homework Statement So I'm doing a lab report on the reaction of food dye with bleach. I have a couple of questions: 1) What's the difference between pseudo rate constant and rate constant?? (i.e. k' vs. k) 2) How do I write the rate law for this reaction? I graphed the data and found the...
  50. T

    Find the final product. Organic Chemistry.

    Homework Statement Find the product of this http://www.webassign.net/ksorgchem2/14-P-019e1.jpg The Attempt at a Solution I tried this but it is wrong. http://www.webassign.net/marvinimages/e/d/b3dfb33e165ce17f7b0a8bab7b9d9d.png Not really sure what to do now.
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